About Our Cause

The Rio Santiago, a mighty river over 400 miles in length from Lake Chapala to the Pacific Ocean, has its biggest waterfall between the towns of Juanacatlan and El Salto in central Jalisco, Mexico.  These glorious waterfalls were the pride of the community, and brought fresh fish, water and economic vitality to our land. The rich soil and freshwater allowed local industry to prosper, and the beauty brought visitors from throughout Mexico to enjoy.   

Starting in the 1970’s, however, the fish started to disappear. Then the water started to smell. Residents stopped using it to swim. 

Upstream industry had been polluting the river and the El Salto Community bore the burden. The pollution also started to make people sick as the community water supply grew tainted. This environmental degradation led to economic degradation as industry closed, jobs evaporated and tourists stopped visiting. Soon after, social problems arose, with parents traveling farther and farther to find work, children falling victim to a broken support system and youth failing to find employment opportunities.

Un Salto Con Destino looks to break this cycle and revitalize the community of El Salto and Juanacatlan by focusing on three pillars of development: Better health, access to education, and inspiring entrepreneurship. 

Donate today to help restore our community and way of life.